BIBBY’s MAN FLEET NEARS 800

Bibby Distribution has confirmed its position as one of MAN’s largest customers with its latest receipt of 10 TGM 18.250 4x2 rigids for the company’s long-standing relationship with car care product manufacturer, Tetrosyl. 32 MANs now service the Tetrosyl contract; the latest vehicles carry the company’s striking new livery.

Bibby’s core-fleet profile has traditionally been made up of MAN 6x2 tractor units, all on two-year rental packages through MAN Financial Services, all on R&M contracts and all with MAN Fleet Management telematics packages.

Bibby’s 800 truck fleet now comprises 90% MAN trucks.

The supply of standard-spec 6x2 tractor units for it’s core-fleet, over a relatively short term, not only provides Bibby with new vehicles, but also provides MAN with nearly-new trucks for resale; and with a proven and popular product which holds its value well in the used vehicle market.

“It’s been a long and successful partnership,” said John Finn, Fleet & Procurement Director at Bibby, “and we now enjoy a level of support from MAN that has developed into an ultra-efficient operation tailored to our very specific needs. We run a nationwide fleet, and MAN mirrors that operation with its own network.

He went on, “Although 6x2 tractors are the mainstay of the Bibby fleet, we use MANs at various weights. With MAN’s telematics system, we’re able to accurately monitor fuel usage and the fleet average fuel economy of 9.0mpg is very pleasing.”

“On specific projects too, MAN is right on side. For one of our most significant contracts we needed a sub-eight tonne TGX 6x2 tractor. Good communication,” said Finn, “and a significant effort by MAN engineers provided us with the right tool for the job”.

The Tetrosyl contract is among Bibby’s most intensive operations, where vehicle uptime is regarded as critical. In 2011, the MAN fleet clocked over 1.9 million miles and delivered over 171, 000 pallets. Geoff Hough, Bibby’s Tetrosyl Contract Manager said, “Reliability is key for the Tetrosyl contract and that is helped in no small part by an excellent MAN service infrastructure. Again, fuel economy is good. We’re seeing over 12.0mpg from the TGM 18 tonners and almost 8.5mpg from the artics – which is outstanding for their given operation.”